Nami's to open at popular Third Street spot in downtown

Photos by John Terhune/Journal & Courier
Heirloom Restaurant, 102 N. Third Street in downtown Lafayette, is closing in February.
The bar inside Heirloom Restaurant Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at 102 N. Third Street in downtown Lafayette. The restaurant announced it is closing in February.(Photo: John Terhune/Journal & Courier, John Terhune/Journal & Courier)Buy Photo

LAFAYETTE, Ind.— A new restaurant is preparing to try its hand in the downtown Lafayette market at the popular 102 N. Third St. location, where Heirloom once operated.

Co-owned by Jason Lee and Ming Ni, Nami's will feature a selection of steaks, seafood, sandwiches and salads, general manager Mason Tam said, looking to offer a selection of classic American cuisine.

Tam said the restaurant has hosted several soft openings over the last few days, working to iron out the kinks that come with opening a new restaurant.

But despite the kinks, Tam said guests have been overall approving of the food and atmosphere the restaurant owners have worked to create.

"One of the biggest things you'll see, for anyone who went to Heirloom when it was open, is they have sectioned-off dining areas," Tam said. "They also installed new flooring in the bathrooms, they've painted and installed new lighting everywhere as well as a new sound system throughout the restaurant."

In addition to a fresh face within the venue, Tam said, a unique selection of wines and whiskeys will be offered at the bar in an effort to create a unique experience for patrons.

"We purposely tried to get those in which other bars and restaurants weren't carrying to add to the lure of that you could only get something like this here," he said. "We will also offer a couple of craft beers locals may be familiar with. We spent a lot of time with alcohol vendors working on this."

Tam said the restaurant also looks to partner with local artists, as other restaurants in the downtown area have, in efforts to promote and sell their work.

"These guys are really passionate about this restaurant and have put a lot of time and money into it, which is why I chose to come work for them," he said. "They are really looking to support the community."

Tam said after a few more soft openings this week, the restaurant officially will be open to the public on Monday. Kitchen hours will be Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m, and Sunday 12-9 p.m., while bar hours on week days will last two hours longer until midnight, and Saturday bar hours will span until business dictates closure.

Reach reporter Jillian Ellison at 765-420-5228 or at jeellison@gannett.com.